2008 Bandido Charlie Reunion, After-Action Report

BANDIDO CHARLIE ASSOCIATION

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO

20-24 August 2008

As usual, Bandido Charlie met in the Command Post of the 16th Infantry Regiment. The Bandidos gathered in their section of the CP to conduct business, discuss items of interest, and hold their annual auction. There was also a photo session with highlights described below. Because we rather overwhelmed the 16th Infantry Regiment CP, one fine retired Colonel (and an Honorary Bandido, kidded: “This looks like the Bandido Charlie and those other units of the 16th CP!” But it is true… the Bandidos “rock”, then and now!

From Wednesday, 20 August, through the entire reunion period, the Bandidos participated in several tours of Colorado Springs. There are numerous wonderful sights in the surrounding area. Several members and their wives/companions took advantage of the sightseeing excursions. Unfortunately, Ken Costich and Al Herrera failed to see anything except the CP!

Wednesday evening several Bandidos traveled to an excellent Mexican restaurant for a joyful and entertaining meal. Needless to say, the war stories, BS and Margaritas flowed freely, and, of course, “Just Plain Joe” Calhoun was his usual quite self, and Sis, as usual, barely made a sound! Our guest of honor was our brother Bandido, SSG Matthew Carson, the Big Red One NCO of the Year. Our favorite Battalion Commander, Ken Cassels, and his wife Peggy, graciously picked up the check.

Thursday was still an “incoming” day as many more Bandidos showed up, including two from the 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, whom we are always thrilled to have joined us …Wayne Parrish and John Holman, who actually came in very late Wednesday, but “showed up” for duty on Thursday. The annual 16th INFRA meeting was held after the Division’s “Conflict Breakfast”. Many issues were discussed, but at least from one perspective, this year, some positive direction was established this year. Dennis Moorehead was elected President… a position he had held for many years in the past. Once again, Al and Ken failed to make the tour buses!

Somewhat late Thursday evening (or early Friday morning), Mack and Ken had just completed their duty of guarding the CP until slightly after “last call”. As they were on their way to their rooms, a young active duty soldier passed them and asked, “Are you guys Bandidos?” Upon the “Yes” reply, this “spit & polish” young soldier, SP4 Ronald Minick, set down his beers (he was carrying 4) and excitedly shook Mack and Ken’s hand telling them what an honor it was to meet them. He had just returned from a 15-month tour in Baghdad with the Black Lions, and, although he was with A/1/28 INF, he repeatedly related to Ken and Mack how “honored” he was to meet “Bandidos” from the Vietnam era and how widely respected and renowned (and yes, he did use the word “awesome”) the Bandidos are throughout the Division as the “cream of the crop”. The next evening, he brought some of his fellow warriors to the CP and graciously insisted on contributing a donation to our fund.

On Friday, 22 August, in a brief but heartfelt memorial service, the Bandidos gathered to acknowledge and award a BC plaque and a personal letter of condolence to Cindy Johnson, the daughter of Missing In Action (MIA) veteran, SFC Lyle Mackedanz. Also, a Certificate posthumously awarding SFC Mackedanz status as an Honorary Bandido was presented. Lyle is the cousin of Bandido and BCA Member, Ron Mackedanz, who accepted the plaque and letter on behalf of Cindy.

The Bandidos had a special treat when LT Shannon R. Herrera, MD, USN, and her escort, LCDR Brent Blackmer, USN, attended the reunion. The couple, Shannon, the Flight Surgeon on the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier, and Brent, a Flight Squadren Commander aboard the same ship, arrived in time for the Annual BCA Auction. Shannon is the granddaughter of Bandido Al Herrera and his lovely wife Betty. Both Shannon and Brent were awarded BCA Certificates and acknowledging them as Associate Members of the Bandido Charlie Association.

In addition, on preceding day, we made a new friend in WWII Charlie Company veteran George Hanggi. He, his wife Nina, son John, and George’s niece Diann were welcomed to the Association. While this was not their first BRO Reunion, it was the first time that most of us had the pleasure of sharing their company. It must be noted that Ken and Al courageously guarded the CP while others went on tours.

The Annual Auction was held on Friday evening, 22 August, and led by Auctioneer, “Just Plain Joe”. Joe not only conducted the auction in great form, he was extremely entertaining and kept the interest at a high level, although he was, once again, totally unable to control his sister, (aka “Sis” and Marion, but widely known as the “Chicken Lady”). As usual, our BCA members brought high quality gifts for the auction, and the auction itself was a total success—in fact, the most successful one ever. The total amount donated to the BCA fund was over $2,400! But, this does not mean we should slack off on continuing to donate and raise funds. Of that amount, $120 was given directly to the 2nd BN, 16th INF and $240 to the Regimental Association. The BCA also made an additional donation of $100 to the 16 INFRA.

The event was held in the presence of LTG Watts, and officers of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association. Everyone had a very good time and congratulated the Bandidos with being distinct and offering a difference to the reunions. It should be noted that individuals from other units participated in the auction by placing the highest bid on certain items… for instance, Phil Greenwell’s bottle of special Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey was won by Andy Giancana, veteran of HHC, 1st Engineer Battalion, and one of the model ACAV’s was won by a “Quarterhorse” CAV Veteran.

On Saturday morning, 23 August, the Bandidos attended the annual 1st Infantry Division Memorial Service. The Big Red One’s Memorial Service has an unbroken tradition of being the finest and most emotional of any service by a military unit. No matter how many one has attended, it is difficult to hear without a swelling of the heart and flowing tears.

After the service, the annual Society of the First Infantry Division was held. In the absence of Tom Rhame, the Society’s President, Lieutenant General Ronald Watts (retired…and a 16th Infantry Regiment Member) addressed the assembled group. Afterwards, Brigadier General Perry L. Wiggins, the new Big Red One Commanding General, gave a brief talk to the assembled group and later entertained individual questions and comments on a personal basis.

BG Wiggins was very impressive as was the Division Command Sergeant Major, James B. Champaign. Al and Ken “accosted” the General just outside the hotel’s restaurant and engaged him in discussion for some time. Ken presented him with a Bandido Charlie Association Challenge Coin (as was CSM Champagne) and given a brief history of the Bandidos. He was later seen in the hall outside the regimental CP’s, flashing his coin and declaring that he was a Bandido. Being in the direct chain of command of the Bandidos, he is, in fact, a Bandido (as is CSM Champaign) and certificates declaring them as such have been printed, signed and delivered. Al and Ken were able to do this because, once again, they missed the tour bus.

Several other selected individuals were honored with the Bandido Charlie Association Challenge Coin. To mention just a few: LTC Kreis and CSM Hutchinson (CO and CSM, 2/16 INF), George Hanggi, a WWII Veteran who served with his tour through the battlefields of Europe with C/1/16 Infantry Regiment, LTG Watts, CSM Mike McCoy (CSM 4th IBCT) and SP4 Ronald Minick (A/1/28 INF), a member of the reunion’s Big Red One Color Guard.

What seemed to amaze most of us, in addition to the soldiers looking younger and younger each year (we couldn’t possibly be getting older) is the professionalism and dedication of today’s soldier. Additionally, they are trained, armed and armored far beyond anything that most of us could imagine. BG Wiggins and CSM Champagne were kind enough, generous enough and smart enough to bring almost 200 of today’s active duty Big Red One Soldiers to the reunion to intermingle with the Veterans. What an amazing experience for all of us. We were in awe at their level of expertise, devotion and education; and, in turn, they seemed amazed at being able to share the experiences of those who went before them. It was a remarkable and enjoyable exchange. And, as an observation, isn’t it amazing how much younger looking the Generals, Sergeants Major and Battalion Commanders get every year? It must be their training!)

Saturday evening, the annual Big Red One banquet was held in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was announced that, once again, the 16th Infantry Regiment had the most representation at the reunion. Unannounced, was that Bandido Charlie had, by far, the largest contingent for any single company-sized unit. Of special interest was an amazing active duty Bandido, SSG Matthew Carson, who won the award of NCO of the Year for the First Infantry Division. Another fine young man 16th Infantry Regiment Soldier, SGT Dallas Lockley, assigned to B/1/16 INF when the award was made, was honored as the Division’s Soldier of the Year. In addition, Skip Baker (an Honorary Bandido) and Al Herrera (a natural born Bandido) were introduced to the assembled Veterans and active duty soldiers as the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment and the Honorary Sergeant Major of the 16th Infantry Regiment, respectively.

Gil and Janeen Thompson, once again, provided wonderful treats of a whole ham, smoked sausages and other snacks and goodies to the delight of the Command Post. This special treat has become a yearly tradition to the enjoyment of all personnel who meet in the hospitality room of the 16th Infantry Command Post, but especially for the Bandidos.

A total of 38 Bandido Charlie members and Associates attended the Bandido Charlie 6th Annual Reunion. The list of attendees were: SSG Matthew Carson, Rod Tokubo, Kathy Dee, Ron Mackedanz, Janet Mackedanz, Phil Greenwell, Linda Greenwell, Joe Calhoun, Marian (Sis) Morris, Ken Costich, Ray Padilla, Jose Garcia, Maria Garcia, John Hohman, Wayne Parrish, Ron Morgan, Doug Ludlow, Cathy Ludlow, Luis Landin, Carlos Landin, Ken Cassels, Peggy Cassels, Steve Rabourn, Cliff Poris, Gil Thompson, Janeen Thompson, Becky Tharp, Jen Sanford, Nancy Freeston, Bryan Luke, Shannon Herrera, Brent Blackmer, George Hanggi, Nina Hanggi, John Hanggi, Diann Hanggi Nicolai, Al Herrera, Betty Herrera and Sam Taylor. Included were also nine first-time attendees.

Listed above is our new Bandido Charlie Webmaster, Ron Morgan, who graciously attended and joined the Bandidos in lieu of travel for other organizations to which he belongs. We welcome Ron who, by the way, was designated as an Honorary Bandido with Associate status. Welcome Ron!

We offer our ongoing thanks to Nancy Freeston and Jen Sanford of the Society and Becky Tharp of the Cantigny Museum for another great reunion. And it really was a great reunion made even greater by the promise of so many of our brave active duty Soldier… the promise of even more of our brave serving men and women of the Big Red One at next year’s reunion is special.* It means that the Army still holds us in a position of value. BG Wiggins clearly stated that the mission of every active duty soldier in attendance was to take back one story from a veteran, and repeat it to those serving with the same enthusiasm it was originally told.

Bandidos… it looks like we really are, finally, “WELCOMED HOME!”

Respectfully Submitted by:

Al Herrera and Ken Costich (who are still looking for the tour bus)

*…Next year’s 91st Annual Big Red One Reunion is scheduled for Dearborn, Michigan. With the excitement of this year’s reunion and the promise of more active duty troops, it promises to be an exhilarating event. It is not too early to start planning for it!